Hi Zimtees,

Maybe this is what you are thinking: Why is Emma writing about vegan beauty? Because Zimt is a vegan company! Thank you for enjoying our vegan chocolate and treats- it makes me very happy that you do. There are a few other aspects of veganism that I want to shed a little light on, too, though, so let’s get to it!

This is a post I have wanted to do for quite some time, because really- it is a topic near and dear to my heart.

Such a statement may come as a surprise to those who know me- I’m definitely not one of those physically super put together people… I try my best! But I don’t focus on having mega trendy clothing or perfect make up. For me, one more thing to juggle that isn’t absolutely totally essential for me to focus 100% on is not in the cards. Looking good and clean and tidy is important- but über coordinated is a level I don’t think I will be reaching within the next few months. I’d rather devote my energy to proving that I am put together, instead of just looking like I am (not saying that many people can’t do both- just not sure I am one of them!).

… at least not yet.

But back to the near and dear- vegan beauty. I personally believe that following a vegan lifestyle is one of the most important things one can do for one’s beauty. It helps to create a more beautiful soul and that makes for a more beautiful world. I know- some people go vegan for the myriad of health benefits (if you do it right), or to lose weight or… because it gives many people glowing skin, etc etc. But I think veganism makes a person most beautiful, because they are promoting something most beautiful by default: avoiding using other beings without their consent. Being nice to animals is absolutely stunning.

So that’s my tip #1 - be stunningly beautiful through your stunningly beautiful, all-being-appreciating soul. You don’t have to think that a salmon is beautiful looking- but I think it is good for one to know how to respect someone living and beautiful, simply through their being.

What many people do not know is, that being vegan goes far beyond what we eat and drink. The main area I am thinking of (aside from apparel- animal parts that are processed and considered suitable to wear in our modern day and age), is… cosmetics.

Sure, you don’t eat them, but many, many animals are used in cosmetics testing and manufacturing. This is usually done because scientists feel that the results obtained by using animals to test a product is a good indication of how a product will be received by a human animal. Unfortunately, this is often not the case- there are even more serious cases which I will not get into right now, but here is a link if you would like to learn more (check out #2…). Essentially, all beings get hurt in this process. Don’t get me wrong, I think having a loved one who needs a new drug for an illness to maybe be cured would be one of the absolute most difficult positions to be in. I know it is first hand, in fact. But I also know all too well that it does not always turn out the way you hope. It is incredibly painful.

Let’s get back to the cosmetics, though.

Here are some ways that animals are used in testing- just a few, but there are so many more experiments that animals endure, which could come straight out of a horror film. Really. Some ways animals are tested upon:

• skin and eye irritation tests where chemicals are rubbed onto the shaved skin or dripped into the eyes of restrained rabbits without any pain relief
• repeated force-feeding studies lasting weeks or months to look for signs of general illness or specific health hazards such as cancer or birth defects; and
• widely condemned “lethal dose” tests, in which animals are forced to swallow large amounts of a test chemical to determine the dose that causes death.

At the end of experiments, they are usually killed, because their bodies are too damaged to be used for further testing. They can be killed in really terrifying ways. Sometimes, though, they are just kept in their cages. I read of a cat who was held in a lab for 12 years- just in a cage. The only time he got to go out was to be tortured more.

Here are some products used from animals’ bodies for manufacturing products:

Lanolin: Lanolin is sheep sweat, essentially. It is derived from sheep’s hair and its production is increased by keeping sheep in living conditions that are… too hot! This makes them sweat more and more lanolin is created. Sheep are sent to slaughter when they are no longer able to sweat as much as they once were. Lanolin is often found in creamy cosmetics, like lipsticks, lotions and balms.

Placenta: Placenta is from the uterus of pregnant mammals. It is used to transport nutrients to a baby- human or non human. Once an animal has been slaughtered, the industry will use the remaining placenta. Placenta is not only found in mothers, but in beauty products such as moisturizers, shampoos, and hair treatments in general.

Bone Meal: Bone meal is from the dried and crushed bones of slaughtered animals. It is often used in toothpastes and vitamins.

Cystine: Cystine is an amino acid that is derived from feathers, horsehair, or animal urine. It is used in hair care products, moisturizers, healing ointments. It may also be in baked goods!

Estradiol: Particularly horrible method of extraction, estradiol comes from the urine of pregnant mares. It can be found in perfumes, moisturizers, menopausal drugs and birth control.

Carmine: This one makes me see red! (Well, they all do…). Carmine is derived by boiling Cochineal insects alive and then crushing their shells into a powder. Their shells give a red hue to many lipsticks, blushes, shampoos… anything that people want to be red. Did you know it takes approximately 70,000 of these Cochineal beetles to make just 1 lb of this powder?! Yikes.

Gelatin: Is derived from boiling the bones, skin, ligaments and tendons of animals who have been slaughtered. It seems to be everywhere! But here are some cosmetics you may find gelatin in: shampoos, vitamins, face masks, creamy products, nail treatments and nail treatment removers.

Tallow: Tallow is essentially animal fat. It is derived by boiling animal carcasses to extract the fat. It is used in soaps. … not sure how one can ever feel squeaky clean if they use that!

Keratin: The melting pot! Keratin is made by grinding up all the “left overs”: feathers, hair, hooves… you name it. You may see Keratin in hair and nail products.

Urea: Guess what this is? It is often synthetic, but you probably want to check to make sure. It is used in everything from deodorant to dental care to hair care… you name it. People seem to want this stuff everywhere… >.< (not really! Not if you know!)

Hopefully this helps you avoid some products you really don’t want to use- just look at that list! For a list of truly cruelty free products, look here. Here is a great bit of news! The European Union has banned animals from being tested on for cosmetics- fantastic!

Now, onto some happy alternatives in further detail. Thanks for sticking it out! Here are some examples of excellent beauty product options that don’t break any banks or any backs. If you try them- let me know if you like them. Most of these are DIY- you can make them at home, mostly of ingredients you could even eat (after all, your skin absorbs lots into the rest of your body- you don’t want anything too crazy or unhealthy on there. You probably wouldn’t rub deep friend donuts on your skin.) If you’d prefer to buy ready-made products, you will likely have plenty of options at your local health food store. You can also order a myriad of products off of Amazon.com - including vegan beauty essentials.

Face Care

Cleansing: To remove dirt, excess oils, and make up. Have you tried the Oil Cleansing Method before? I have- in a much simplified way (just coconut oil as a make up remover- it is incredible!!!! Though I just learned that using it can perhaps clog your tear ducts. I have not found this to be a problem, personally, but you can also try using Norwex cloths to remove make up- I’m sorry I cannot provide a better link- you can try to navigate the site.). Here is a truly fantastic article on the OCM. Or, if you prefer to use minimal oil, another DIY method may be in the cards for you….

Toning: Just in case you missed a spot, toner will ensure that the very last bits of make up, or any sort of grime, are gone for good. Toner can also be used for other purposes, such as minimizing pores, depending upon what toner you use. Want some super simple toning recipes? Here you go!

Moisturizing: Well, you know- this one moisturizes you and keeps you from having dry skin. There is daytime moisturizer- and I suggest using one with SPF- such as this one. Who knew carrot essential oil was so magnificent?! I am going to try this one out for sure. My skin is kind of paler than I would like it to be, so sun protection is particularly important… So I use this by MyChelle on my face for during the day, and then chase it with some organic vegan sunscreen. The MyChelle absorbs so well- it makes me feel like I have done something truly productive for my skin. At night, I am using Squalane oil. If you don’t get this brand, make sure the one you get is not made from sharks, as this is the non vegan alternative. The vegan one is made of olive oil- so much better. I doubt that I will buy it again because this is not organic, but it is vegan and otherwise very pure.

Exfoliating: Just a couple times a week! Exfoliating is great for helping the body to have old skin make way for fresh new skin. My favourite exfoliator? Baking soda. Yeup- get the non aluminum kind and you are golden (no pun intended). I have just mixed mine with a bit of water and rubbed on my face in circular motions. I feel it works really well. You could also mix it with coconut oil instead of water, for a bit more moisturizing.

Body Care

Exfoliating: So while baking soda works great on the face (with its small particles), one of my most absolute favourite body care products ever is this: freshly ground coffee beans mixed with coconut oil. It is actually amazing- I use it every day and have noticed such a huge improvement with my skin. When I am eating right, this means a combination resulting in no more keratosis pilaris! So exciting. The coconut oil will moisturize and the coffee not only exfoliates away old, dead skin, but will even increase blood circulation. One Green Planet offers a great recipe! I encourage you to try it.

Cleansing: Really- you only need to use soap where you sweat the most…. but it all depends on the individual. My favourite soap is Dr. Bronner’s. I use it also as a shampoo and I find my hair feels very clean!

Moisturizing: Coconut oil, is my go-to. But- I want to try this recipe. Who is with me? We can also put fun essential oils in them- lavender and lemon, anyone? Peppermint?!

Shaving: … guess who? Coconut oil! Yes, I have found it works great- moisturize and shave all at once. This is practically adding at least a few hours to your life!

Hair Care

Shampoo: As mentioned, I use Dr. Bronner’s as my shampoo. I used to use the “no shampoo” method- just water and friction. It worked so, so well- I was completely shocked. Not super well right away, mind you, but eventually- my hair was as soft as a baby duck. Now, I just mix 2 parts water to 1 part Dr. Bronner’s. I’m really happy with it!

Conditioner: Well, this does not really happen for me. What I do when I am feeling fancy, I just put some coconut oil on the tips of my hair and rub that in. This is usually before I shower, so it does not stay in my hair forever or make it weighed down. Here is a good alternative- I have used this as well and I enjoy it immensely. So easy. 2 ingredients. We can do this.

Oral Health

Toothpaste: I have not yet tried this method, but I really want to- DIY toothpaste. Look at this option- it is so easy. People have obtained great results but obviously if you are experiencing any negative effects, you will want to abandon ship. Right now, I get Nature’s Gate toothpaste- all vegan, all natural, all spendy. DIY here I come! (Though if you don’t want to do the DIY route, there are plenty of vegan toothpastes out there).

Mouthwash: I just brush my teeth (and floss! Great vegan floss- here and here - I have used both and I really like both. The dental tape is my favourite.) or eat more when my mouth feels like it needs a change of pace, but I should try making this mouthwash. Also a very easy one.

Extras

Cosmetics: The “go-to” I feel, for vegan cosmetics, is often ELF Eyes Lips Face. I have ordered from them a couple of times and like their products (should probably use them more to prove it). However, I am leaning much more strongly toward other companies that use more natural ingredients- such as Emani. Right now, though, all I use is: Mineral Fusion (for under my eyes, mostly- have always, always had bags, even when I was a little meat-eating kid), Dr. Hauschka bronzer (I am so pasty- thanks for being British, Dad.), and Alverde “Nothing But Volume” mascara. Here is a list of other vegan mascara options (that are sold in North America) by Vegan Beauty Review.

Nail Polishes & Polish Removers: So, I should probably make my nails a bit more of a priority. They are clean and nice but I do just stick to clear because… who knows when the next time is that they will be done? If I wore a colour and let them get as chipped as they almost certainly are now (though I am not totally sure! Tough to tell with clear ), it would look very messy. I used to focus lots on my nails- but I was seven years old and that has changed, too. Anyway- confession over. Here is a fantastic blog, Vegan Claws, with all sorts of resources for vegan nail polish. I have only tried the Zoya brand and I like it. Though I am intrigued by SpaRitual, though! Organic, non-toxic and vegan?! Yes please.

Lip Balm! Look at that punctuation- this is my clear favourite! No semi colons allowed- we need an exclamation mark here. Why? Because it is in the name- Hurraw! My absolute favourite lip food. It is raw. It is organic. It is vegan. There are a million super cool flavours. It is fantastic quality! It is super cute. Have you tried it? Look at the ingredients- absolutely outstanding! I always carry at least one with me. If somehow my brain does not remember to do that, I do have a little panic attack.

 

That should about wrap things up. What an epically long post! There is much more to explore, but this should give us all a good foundation (no pun intended!) in vegan beauty.

I hope it helps you make some very compassionate, animal-friendly decisions! They are absolutely worth the extra dime.

Happy Pampering, Zimtees =)

 

Emma

PS- here is a link to the Beagle Freedom Project - love this organization.